Imagine going to three provinces in one huge adventure? Yes, it’s possible! Just recently, Gerald and I were able to accomplish our B.I.G. Adventure (Bacolod, Iloilo, Guimaras). Finally, I made a travel guide to help you create your own B.I.G. Adventure as well! :)
How to Get There
Bacolod, Iloilo and Guimaras are part of Region VI (Western Visayas).
For our trip, we decided to take the Iloilo-Guimaras-Bacolod route because it’s more convenient for us. There’s only very little difference to the Bacolod-Iloilo-Guimaras route, so any of the two routes will work just fine. :)
From Manila/Cebu to Iloilo
- PAL, Cebu Pacific Air and AirAsia have flights from Manila/Cebu to Iloilo. We got our promo flights from Cebu Pacific Air.
- From Iloilo Airport, you can take a shuttle to the city proper/SM Iloilo or a taxi that can take you directly to your hotel.
From Manila/Cebu/Iloilo to Bacolod
- Flights from Manila/Cebu to Bacolod are also available from PAL, Cebu Pacific Air and AirAsia.
- Fast crafts have routes from Iloilo to Bacolod and vice versa. When we went to Bacolod from Iloilo, we took the ferry from Ocean Jet.
From Iloilo/Bacolod to Guimaras
- From Iloilo, go to Ortiz Wharf and take a boat ride to Guimaras. Travel time is around 15-20 minutes.
- From Bacolod, go to Pulupandan Wharf and take a boat ride to Guimaras. Travel time is around 45 minutes.
Where to Stay
In Iloilo and Bacolod, most accommodations available are hotels, inns and pension house. We only had a day tour in Guimaras but if you want to stay, there are also accommodations but mostly resorts.
Iloilo City
From Ong Bun Pension House website
- Go Hotels (Recommended) – This is where we stayed.
- Ongbun Pension House
- Urban Inn
- Injap Tower Hotel
Guimaras
From Raymen Beach Resort website
Bacolod
From Go Hotels website
- Go Hotels (Recommended) This is where we stayed.
- Avenue Suites Hotel and Spa
- Java Pension House
- O Hotel Bacolod
What To Do
There are many attractions and activities to do in Bacolod, Iloilo and Guimaras and here are some of them.
Heritage/City Tour in Iloilo
You can find centuries-old churches, monuments, ancestral houses and structures in Iloilo. It is very rich in culture and heritage. In fact, just by walking around the city, you can already see a lot.
- Jaro Belfry and Catehdral
- Molo Church
- Miag-ao Church
- San Joaquin Church
- Guimbal Church
- San Jose Church
- Tigbauan Church
- Sto. Nino Arevalo Church
- Calle Real
- Plaza Libertad
- Plazoleta Gay
- Esplanade
- For San Pedro
- Iloilo Provincial Capitol
- Museo Iloilo
- Nelly’s Garden
Foodtrip
Yes, get ready to indulge in the local delicacies! Happy tummies! Bacolod, Iloilo and Guimaras offer really good food!
- Netong’s La Paz Batchoy
- Madge Cafe
- Cafe de Hablon
- Ramboy’s
- Roberto’s
- Pitstop Restaurant
- The Ruins Cafe
- Calea
Dinagyang Pamukaw/Dinagyang Festival in Iloilo
Before our trip, we have no idea about Dinagyang Pamukaw. We just learned about it while watching a local TV news channel. We wanted to experience it so we changed our itinerary last-minute. Instead of going to Plaza Libertad, we decided to go to Dinagyang Pamukaw instead.
Dinagyang Festival is an annual religious and cultural festival held every January. We were able to witness Dinagyang Pamukaw, an event that marks the readiness of Iloilo City to host Dinagyang Festival. It’s like we got a glimpse of a Dinagyang Festival experience. :)
Guimaras Tour
Guimaras is a small island that you can explore via a motorcycle, a tricycle or multicab depending on how many you are in the group. Hehe.
- Smallest Plaza
- Provincial Capitol
- Mango Plantation
- Trappist Monastery
- Guisi Lighthouse
Aside from the land tour, you may also do an island hopping tour because Guimaras is also known for its beautiful beaches.
Visit The Ruins in Bacolod
The Ruins is one of the most famous landmarks in Negros Island. We literally stayed here for around 4 hours because we really loved it here! Hehe We kept on taking pictures.
It can get really hot, so I suggest to go in the afternoon. And I heard it also looks beautiful at night. :)
Masskara Festival
Masskara Festival is an annual festival held every October. The participants wear colorful masks which are always seen smiling because the city is known as the City of Smiles.
From Wikipedia
We haven’t experienced it yet so it’s one of the reasons why we want to go back in Bacolod. Hehe
Where To Eat
Actually, the B.I.G. Adventure could be described as one huge food trip. Haha. And I’m sure, that with all the tourist destinations you’ve visited, you’ll need to fill up your energy bar. Hehe. Here are some restaurants and establishments that we get to try during the trip. And, I highly encourage you to try them too! :)
Netong’s La Paz Batchoy La Paz, Iloilo City
Located inside La Paz Public Market, this is where you can find authentic La Paz Batchoy.
Madge Cafe La Paz, Iloilo City
Also in La Paz Public Market, they offer the best native coffee, perfect with the traditional Filipino breakfast.
Ramboy’s Molo, Iloilo
They are famous for their lechon and grill.
Roberto’s along JM Basa St., Iloilo City
Best for your merienda fix! They offer huge siopao for an affordable price.
Pitstop Restaurant Jordan, Guimaras
They are known for their Mango Pizza, which I totally recommend you try!
Aida’s Chicken Manokan Country, Bacolod
Never miss the famous Bacolod Inasal, and this restaurant offers the best and authentic Bacolod chicken inasal.
Calea Robinsons, Bacolod
For desserts, their cakes are a must-try! I even had a hard time choosing only one. Haha.
Itinerary
This is our actual 4-day, 3-night Bacolod Iloilo Guimaras itinerary. Take note that this is different from our planned itinerary. There were minor changes so we weren’t able to follow our planned itinerary. Example, we were supposed to visit Plaza Libertad on our Day 1 but because of Dinagyang Pamukaw, we weren’t able to.
Notes
- You can save more time if you start your day early. We’re both sleepyheads so we always wake up later. Haha
- You can also explore more places if you choose to go out and maximize your time. We had a lot of rests in between, because we’re becoming “titas/titos” haha. Plus, the hot weather was unbearable during the afternoon. Haha.
Day 0 – Going to Iloilo
- 08:00 PM – ETA Iloilo International Airport
- 09:00 PM – Check-in at hotel (45 minutes to 1-hour ride from airport to city proper
Day 1 – Iloilo
Read more: B.I.G. Adventure: Iloilo City
- 07:30 AM – Breakfast at Netong’s La Paz Batchoy
- 10:00 AM – Visit Miag-ao Church
- 11:00 AM – Snack at Cafe de Hablon
- 12:30 PM – Lunch at Ramboy’s
- 01:30 PM – Visit Molo Church and Plaza
- 03:30 PM – Dinagyang Pamukaw / Calle Real
- 04:30 PM – Merienda at Roberto’s
- 05:00 PM – SM City Iloilo / Dinner
- 08:00 PM – Back to hotel
Day 2 – Guimaras
Read more: B.I.G. Adventure: Guimaras Side Trip
- 07:30 AM – Breakfast at Madge Cafe
- 09:00 AM – ETD to Guimaras (15-20 minute boat ride)
- 09:15 AM – ETA Guimaras / Register at Tourist Information Center
- 09:30 AM – Land Tour
- Smallest Plaza
- Provincial Capitol
- Mango Plantation
- Trappist Monastery
- Guisi Lighthouse
- 12:30 PM – Lunch at Pitstop Restaurant
- 02:00 PM – Back to Iloilo / Rest
- 03:00 PM – Visit Jaro Cathedral
- 03:15 PM – Buy pasalubong at Biscocho Haus
- 04:00 PM – Back to hotel / Rest
But we actually filmed Youtube videos hehe: - 05:00 PM – Visit Esplanade
- 07:30 PM – Dinner at SM City Iloilo
- 08:30 PM – Back to hotel
Day 3 – Bacolod
Read more: B.I.G. Adventure: Bacolod City
- 07:30 AM – ETD to Bacolod (1-hour ferry ride)
- 08:30 AM – ETA Bacolod
- 09:00 AM – Check-in at hotel
- 10:00 AM – Brunch at Robinsons Bacolod
- 11:00 AM – Visit The Ruins
- 12:30 PM – Lunch at The Ruins Cafe
- 02:00 PM – Back to the hotel / Rest
- 03:00 PM – SM Bacolod
- 03:30 PM – Visit San Sebastian Cathedral and Plaza
- 04:30 PM – Early dinner (haha) at Manokan Country – Aida’s Chicken
- 06:00 PM – Buy pasalubongs at Pendy’s Snackbar
- 06:30 PM – Desserts at Calea
- 08:00 PM – Back to hotel
Day 4 – Going Back to Manila
- 11:00 AM – ETA Ninoy Aquino International Airport
Expenses
Here’s a breakdown of our expenses during our trip. This includes accommodation, fares, food, entrance and fees. Airfare and other expenses like tips and pasalubongs are not yet included.
Notes
- I already divided it into two, so the expenses listed are based on one person only.
- You can save a lot more if there are more people in the group because expenses can be divided (example: Guimaras land tour and the accommodation costs).
- Some of the amounts are estimated since I can’t remember the exact price.
Day 0 – Going to Iloilo
- Fare
- Taxi to airport: Php 80
- Van from airport to SM Iloilo: Php 50
- Jeep to hotel: Php 7
- Accommodation
- Go Hotels Room for 2: Php 2300 for 3 nights = Php 1,150
- Food
- Dinner at Fast food: Php 100
- TOTAL: Php 1,387
Day 1 – Iloilo
- Food
- Breakfast at Netong’s: Php 120
- Snack at Cafe de Hablon: Php 100
- Lunch at Ramboy’s: Php 150
- Merienda at Roberto’s: Php 100
- Dinner at SM City Iloilo: Php 150
- Fare
- City Proper to La Paz: Php 7
- La Paz to Miag-ao: Php 40
- Miag-ao to City Proper: Php 40
- City Proper to Calle Real: Php 7
- Calle Real to SM Iloilo: Php 7
- SM Iloilo to hotel: Php 7
- TOTAL: Php 728
Day 2 – Guimaras / Iloilo
- Food
- Breakfast at Madge Cafe: Php 120
- Lunch at Pitstop Restaurant: Php 200
- Dinner at SM Iloilo: Php 150
- Fare
- City Proper to La Paz: Php 7
- La Paz to Ortiz Wharf: Php 10
- Boat to Guimaras: Php 14
- Boat to Iloilo: Php 14
- Jeep back to hotel: Php 10
- Hotel to Jaro: Php 7
- Jeep to Esplanade: Php 7
- Activities
- Land Tour: Php 1200 good for 2-4 persons = Php 600
- TOTAL: Php 1,139
Day 3 – Bacolod
- Food
- Brunch at Robinsons Bacolod: Php 100
- Snack at a food stall in The Ruins: Php 25
- Lunch at The Ruins Cafe: Php 120
- Dinner at Manokan Country: Php 100
- Dessert at Calea: Php 90
- Fare
- Taxi to Lapuz port: Php 50
- Ferry to Bacolod: Php 230
- Jeep to The Ruins: Php 7
- Jeep back to hotel: Php 7
- San Sebastian Cathedral: Php 7
- Pendy’s Snackbar: Php 7
- Taxi to Bacolod Airport: Php 200
- Accommodation
- Go Hotels Room for 2: Php 1200/night = Php 600
- Activities
- Entrance Fee to The Ruins: Php 100
- TOTAL: Php 1,643
ESTIMATED OVERALL TOTAL EXPENSES for 4D/3N:
Php 4,897 per person only!
B.I.G. Adventure was a laid-back trip for us. No stress, no hassle! Add up the fact that we only spent a little compared to our previous travels, considering we already visited three provinces. I highly recommend this adventure to everyone! :)
It’s your turn!
- Have you been to any of the three provinces (Bacolod, Iloilo, Guimaras)? How was your experience?
- If not, are you planning to do the B.I.G. Adventure as well? :)
- Any recommendations on what to visit next?
Lou
Accommodation is a main problem whenever my family and I go to places. We only had a day trip somewhere in Bacolod the last time we were there, so we didn’t look for a hotel to stay. Bookmarking this for future purposes, so thank you. Also, that Mango Pizza looks really intriguing and really yummy at the same time. Huhu, parang gusto ko na tuloy matikman.
Mei
I wonder why accommodation becomes a problem to your family. Hehe eh madami naman available na hotels dba? Hehe Yes we were also intrigued with the mango pizza so we tried and it was good! Try next time :)
Michelle
Quite a trip and blog! Beautiful photos!
Mei
Thank you Michelle :)
Melissa
It’s amazing that you only had to shell out 4k+ for 3 provinces already! Again, love the vlog series of this! Hehe looking forward to more of your vlogs!!! ♥
Mei
Yes, maybe because it’s more of city tour lang and chillax lang kami hehe Thank you Melissa, so far this is my favorite thin among my vlogs haha
Gail
Hi Mei!!!! How are you? Still remember me? Im back in blogging and was wondering how you’ve been. <3
Mei
Yes I still remember you of course! I think the last time I checked your blog nasa Tumblr pa! I’m glad you’re back on WP! :)
Jamie
Ang detailed nito, mumsh! Gusto ko rin mavisit those places!!
Mei
Thanks Jamie! Why not! Push!!! Hehe
Jhanz
Ang mura!!! Ahh I wanna go here too! :) Now I need to plan this and make it come true hehe!
Mei
True! Pwede mo pa mapababa yan depende sa accommodation :)
Kya
Thank you for sharing so much information. It’s fantastic you were able to do the trip. There was certainly a lot to see and do. Those cakes look so delicious. Mmmmmm.
Mei
Yes, the cakes are so yummy! Too bad I can’t eat another slice because I have weak tonsils haha
Joie
Thank you,its so detailed. I’m planning to have a Bday Travel this december. Can you share some tips,coz I’m planning to travel solo.
Mei
Hello Joie,
I haven’t tried to travel alone yet so I’m sorry that I couldn’t give you some tips on solo travelling. But as for travelling in Bacolod, Iloilo and Guimaras, I can suggest to try more of their local food! :)
Enjoy and safe travels! Thank you :)
sarah
May idea po kayo anong schedule ng boat/ferry from bacolod to guimaras, and guimaras to iloilo? meron ba sa hapon? or morning lang?
Mei
Hello po, as far as I know, wala pong available na boat/ferry for that route. Ang meron lang po is Iloilo-Guimaras, Iloilo-Bacolod and vice versa.
Darlene
Hello,
my mother and i will visit these places this october. that 1,200 land tour in guimaras, they already have itinerary right? but can we like… customize the places that we prefer to visit? or can we add? haha! and why didn’t you try island hopping tour? Thanks by the way! this blog helped me :)
Mei
Hello Darlene! I’m glad this guide helped you :) Yes, you can customize the tours, but you may have to pay for additional fee. we didn’t try island hopping because we only have one free day to explore Guimaras, but we would definitely try it next time! :) Enjoy your vacation! :)
jeng
hi mei! i’m supposed to attend a wedding in guimaras next month and i want to visit some places in iloilo and bacolod as well, but i’m taking my 9yr old daughter with me. do you think we can follow some of your itinerary? do you think its safe for the two of us? thank you!
Mei
Hello Jeng,
Yes I think it’s feasible since our itinerary is pretty much laid back. But feel free to make changes to the itinerary depending on your needs. Enjoy and safe travels! Thank you. :)
anne
Hi po, i will go to iloilo on my birthday, dec 1. Ask ko lang po, dun sa guimaras, did you have a contact po ng tour guide? kelangan ba naka-book na din papunta guimaras from iloilo before magpunta dun or on the spot pwede? Thanks po
Mei
Hello Anne,
Wala kaming contact ng tour guide kasi may Tourism office sa Guimaras. Dun talaga nagpapa-book ng tour guide. :)
Pagdating nyo, punta lang kayo dun, malapit lang sya sa port. Then dun nyo na i-coordinate kung anong tour gusto nyo tas sila na mag-aassign ng tour guide. Enjoy Iloilo and Guimaras! Safe travels :)
Thank you!
Debbie
Hello Mei,
We are group of 5 who will be visiting Bacolod next month (2/16-2/18).
2 night hotels were booked for Lfisher.
Do you think its possible for us to have a day tour to Iloilo on the 16th while to Guimaras on the 17th?
P.S: Do you have any idea when is the last ferry for both?
Thanks!
Mei
Hello Debbie,
Yes, I think a day tour in Guimaras and Iloilo is possible, because somehow, that’s what happened to our trip. :) I’m not sure about the ferry schedules, as they may change, so you can check with Ocean Jet’s website regarding their ferry schedules.
Have a safe trip! Enjoy :)
liza
Hi, ask ko lang kung mayron kang alam na tour package to iloilo with accom? ang punta ko sa iloilo is on feb 24-27. 2 lng kami ng friend ko. may mairerecomend ka ba? at sana pati itinerary na rin..
Thanks in advance… god bless
Mei
Hello Liza,
I’m sorry but I can’t recommend any travel agencies for tour packages as I haven’t tried one. But I do have an itinerary on the blogpost. :)
Enjoy and save travels!
Thank you.
liza
Hi Mei, ang alis ko pala ng feb 24 is 430 am and back to manila on feb 27 ng 830 pm.
Bia S.
Thank you so much for sharing this itinerary! Gustong-gusto ko talaga to gawin kasi ang lapit lang sana niyan here from Cebu, like we could take the ferry para cheaper, it’s just that ang hirap lang talagang mag leave haha. Hopefully this year on september, para maabutan namin yng Maskara Festival :)
Saving this for future purposes.
Mei
Oo nga mas accessible sa inyo and mas less expenses sa airfare! Hehe Enjoy! :) Hopefully makapag-Maskara din kami next time :)
Charina Agcaoili
Hi ask ko lang po if may available pang public transportation from Iloilo Airport to Iloilo City Proper during night? Ang ETA kasi namin is 8:40 PM. Thanks!
Mei
Hello Charina,
Yes, there were available vans during the night. Gabi din ang arrival namin nung nagpunta kami. You can watch our vlog for reference: https://youtu.be/uLaVuWk2r1w
Enjoy and safe travels! :)
Thank you.
christine
Your blog is very informative this would be a big help for 1st timers like me. Thanks for the infos most specially for posting your expenses.
Mei
Hello Christine,
I’m glad it was helpful for you. Safe travels! Enjoy :)
Thank you. :)
Anne
Hi, would like to know what jeepney did you ride going to The Ruins from Bacolod City?
Thanks!
Faye
Hi. How did you arrange a day trip to Guimaras? And from Ruins Bacolod, can you explore other place such as beaches etc? Thanks
Mei
Hello Faye,
We went to Guimaras Tourist Center for the land tour. I totally recommend it for your safety! :)
Enjoy and safe travels :)
Cloud
Sa Guimaras n ba kayo sumakay ng plane back to Manila?
Mei
Hello, Cloud!
Sa Bacolod po kami sumakay ng plane back to Manila.
Walang flight from Guimaras.
Thank you.